WATERLOO – Internationally renowned speakers, photo exhibits, films, workshops and conferences are among the many events taking place during Laurier’s International Week Feb. 28 to March 5.

The theme of this year’s International Week is “Global Citizenship @ Laurier: Voices of Inclusion and Engagement.”

“International Week is a way to look at internationalization at home, and how we can engage in discussions about international issues on campus,” said Lise Pedersen, manager of international programs and services at Laurier International. “Travel and international experience are important, but they don’t necessarily make someone a good global citizen.”

Canadian peace activist James Loney and the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy, former federal minister of foreign affairs, are among several people who will speak. Loney is the keynote speaker at the “Narratives of Violence, Narratives of Healing” conference March 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall. Axworthy is the speaker at the “Global Citizenship Conference” (GCC) March 5 at 6 p.m. in Arts 1E1.

International Week will also feature photo exhibits in the concourse by Laurier exchange students, an anti-oppression workshop by the Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG), presentations by refugees sponsored through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), and a speaking event featuring author Ivan Coyote.

The weeklong event is dedicated to integrating students’ academic studies with their lives beyond the classroom – reflecting Laurier’s culture of inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. Pedersen said they hope to encourage this even more in the future.

“We would like to see International Week become part of the university’s interest in integrated learning – where there is a mixture of extracurricular and academic learning,” said Pedersen.

International Week activities are organized by Laurier International, in cooperation with Women and Gender Studies, Global Studies, Laurier’s Diversity Office, LSPIRG, the Department of Religion and Culture and the School of Business & Economics. For a complete list of activities, please visit: www.wlu.ca/internationalweek.

Most events are free and open to the public. Tickets for the Axworthy event can be purchased from the Laurier International office, from the GCC booth in the Hall of Fame or online. For more information, please visit: www.gcclaurier.org.